Some pinot noirs are crisply acidic on the finish - this adds a liveliness if there's enough fruit weight for balance, but if the fruit is verging on unripe, it can make the wine appear lean and even mean.
BEST VALUE
$28
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Good value
Attractive with hints of dark and red fruits, depth of flavour supported by spicy oak and a lively texture with dusty tannins on the finish.
BEST VALUE
$47
Four and a half stars
Good value
A dark, brooding wine with complex aromas and flavours. A stylish young wine that will develop with a year or so more bottle age.
$26
Three stars
Average value
A bright spicy wine with an edgy hint of herbs and pepper, cherries and red fruits, with a savoury undertone and a firm finish.
$30
Three stars
Below average value
A lighter style of pinot, lively with a hint of mineral, juicy red fruits and a crisp, textural finish.
2011
$45
Four stars
Average value
A spicy wine with lively fruit - plums, cherries and red berries backed by spicy oak, a suggestion of mineral and a savoury earthiness. It's concentrated with a crisp acidity and lively tannins on the finish.
$80
Four stars
Below average value
This inaugural release of Cloudy Bay's Central Otago pinot is tight and youthful but has floral aromas and charming dark and red berry fruit with spicy undertones. A rich, dense, complex wine, creamy, textural and concentrated with a long, lively aftertaste. It will continue to develop with another year or two's bottle age.
ANOTHER GLASS
Judge Rock Central Otago St Laurent 2012
$37
Two and a half stars
Below average value
This is lighter and tamer than in previous vintages. It is a lovely bright red colour with a hint of red fruits, mineral and wild herbs, an intriguing hint of spice and a fresh, lively edge. Staurent is a central European variety, one of whose parents is pinot noir.
Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Noir 2012
$27
Two and a half stars
Below average value
A light wine with an edgy hint of pepper and herbs, fresh red fruits that appear to be on the edge of ripeness and a tingly acidity on the finish. Better with food than by itself.
